The former Florida State defensive lineman would fit right in along Kansas City’s defensive line.
In the NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs could be looking to bolster their defensive line — and provide some long-term roster stability.
Florida State’s defensive tackle Braden Fiske is a player who could do that. Here’s what you need to know about him:
Background
As a three-star offensive guard from Michigan City High School in Indiana — just west of South Bend on the shores of Lake Michigan — Fiske received only two collegiate offers: one from Illinois State and one from Western Michigan. There he switched to the defensive line and appeared in 45 games over five seasons, starting 25 games as a redshirt sophomore and junior in Kalamazoo.
Then he entered the transfer portal, finishing his college career with 13 starts at Florida State, where he recorded 43 tackles, (9 for loss), 6.0 sacks and five quarterback hurries, earning third-team All-America honors from the Associated Press and making the All-ACC second-team.
Fiske checked into the NFL Scouting Combine at 6 feet 4 and 292 pounds, with 9 3/8-inch hands and 31” arms. But then he lit up the combine during the athletic testing, running the fastest 40-yard dash and recording the best vertical and broad jumps.
Braden Fiske is a DT prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 9.89 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 20 out of 1808 DT from 1987 to 2024. https://t.co/xlX4tzzbZS pic.twitter.com/CAgIKBx1fu
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 21, 2024
This display of athletic ability quickly made Fiske fly up the draft boards. His physical profile is a concern — he is slightly lighter than we would like to see in a defensive tackle and has short arms — but his demonstrated athletic ability should make up for those issues.
Film evaluation
Fiske wins with quickness off the snap — and with leverage.
I love the first step and explosion off the ball by Braden Fiske. The LG oversets a little bit and the C is slightly late so Fiske fires through the A gap. The RB steps in late but the QB has to scramble and Fiske plays hard through the snap. Hot motor. pic.twitter.com/mUkzg7b7fs
— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) December 22, 2023
Lined up as a 3-tech on this play, Fiske explodes off the line at the snap, doing a nice job of re-directing himself into the A-gap. The left guard oversets — and the center is late to help in protection — so Fiske splits them to flush the quarterback (Heisman Trophy winner Jaden Daniels) from the pocket.
Fiske knows the play isn’t dead until Daniels is down, so he shows off his motor to the end of the play — even as some friendly fire takes him out — as his teammates bring Daniels down.
Fiske sets up the LG with a power move but then uses a nice swipe to win the outside and penetrate the pocket. He attacks the quarterback to come up with a sack. pic.twitter.com/39vKyYhU9J
— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 23, 2024
Here we see Fiske lined up as a 2i-tech on the guard’s inside shoulder. He once again fires off the ball — but this time, he hesitates to set up his move. This changeup fools the guard into being ready for a power move. Fiske quickly engages with him, swiping his hands away to get into the backfield before closing in on the quarterback to earn a sack.
Explosion off the ball and great short area quickness help Fiske make up for his lack of length. Despite his less-imposing size, he also possesses tremendous power and strength that he can use while rushing the passer — but it’s even more impressive to see when he’s playing against the run.
On those plays, Fiske can use tremendous leverage to hunker down and eat double teams, consistently winning at the point of attack. His brute strength allows him to clog up the middle, creating plays for his teammates.
Braden Fiske destroys the double team. He stays low, doesn’t give and inch, and then dips through to meet the RB in the hole. Completely stops the play before it ever gets going. Tremendous strength at the POA. pic.twitter.com/G2knMC6jE5
— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) February 28, 2024
On this play, the guard and center work a double team against Fiske, but he sinks down and anchors his feet into the ground to stop their momentum. Then he presses through the guard and splits the double team as the running back arrives at the line of scrimmage.
Even then, he doesn’t stop. Fiske pounces on the back as his teammates swarm to the play.
Fiske eats the double team and is able to work off of the LG to stop the RB in his tracks. Good leverage and strength at the point of attack. pic.twitter.com/1rcJFGUmS6
— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 23, 2024
Here we see the offense run an H-counter to Fiske’s side of the field. The play-side guard and tackle double down on him — and they have the angular advantage to help them win the play. Initially, Fiske gives up a little ground — but when the tackle climbs to the second level, Fiske violently ragdolls the guard to meet the running back in the hole.
This play is an excellent example of recovering from a disadvantage — something that only high-level players can do.
How he fits with the Chiefs
On the surface, it may seem like Kansas City is set at defensive tackle — but a highly athletic pass rusher like Fiske would be a welcome addition.
Fiske would probably take some time to develop (which is not ideal for a 24-year-old player), but he could play significant snaps by the end of his rookie season. On running downs, he could spell Chris Jones — and on passing downs, provide yet another interior pass-rushing option. With the attention the All-Pro defensive tackle routinely gets, the rookie would get plenty of one-on-one pass-rushing opportunities.
Fiske is a high-effort, high-motor player. This fits the culture that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and defensive line coach Joe Cullen have created in their unit.
The Chiefs do need more long-term options along the defensive line. Fiske is a player who could give them exactly that.